Why Should I Worry or Fret?

October 9th, 2012 dsisler


There’s an old Gaither tune called, “I Believe.” The verses speak of the things the author believed. Then the chorus sums it all up. Do you remember this song?
I Believe

He holds the future in the palm of His Hand;
And He has never failed me yet.
I know He’s leading and still has control;
So why should I worry or fret?

He said that He’d go with me and protect me each day;
And brother, I’ve no reason to doubt.
He’s been so near me every step of the way;
And God will surely lead His children on out.
There are some people who live each day in fear;
Of what tomorrow may bring.
But I’m trusting in One who is walking so near;
I’m talking ’bout the King of all kings.

I know He holds the future and I know He holds my hand.
I know just as sure as I’m singing this song,
I’m a part of His almighty plan.

I believe, I believe, I believe.
So why should I worry or fret?[i]

If we claim to believe all that this song says, why do we worry? Why do we fret? Why do we allow fear to gain control of our lives? I think it is different for each person, but what I am certain of is that God does not want us to worry. He urges us not to fret. He tells us not to be afraid. So perhaps we should find out what God says about this area of our lives.
Matthew 6:25-34 records Jesus’ discourse on the topic. His conclusion is “do not worry.” Do not worry about your life or your future. Because in reality, nothing comes from worrying. At least nothing good. Some physical issues can be the result of worrying.
And what does Jesus say to do instead of worrying? “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” (Matthew 6:33 – NIV) Staying busy with God’s work will keep our minds off of the issues we worry about.
This same discourse can be found in Luke 12:22-34. In this passage, another way to keep from worrying is by helping the poor. Giving to the poor to be exact. “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Luke 12:34 – NIV) If our hearts are concerned for others, it will not have time to be worrying.
What are we to do instead of worrying? Philippians 4:6 (NIV) gives us some insight. “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” We are not to worry about anything. Instead, we are to pray.
This verse also says we are to be thankful. If we have thankful hearts, there won’t be space for worry.
We can also meditate upon God’s Words. David shares his thoughts on this in Psalm 119:97 (NIV). “Oh, how I love your law! I meditate on it all day long.” If we are meditating on God’s Word all day long, when will we have time to worry?
The Lead Minister, Rick Rusaw, at LifeBridge Christian Church, my home church, said this about meditation. “If you know how to worry, you know how to meditate.” Get the connection? Use what you’ve learned about worrying and convert it into meditation of Scripture.
So what are some benefits to not worrying? Philippians 4:7 (NIV) says, “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” First we see God’s peace will come upon us. There is nothing like His peace. It’s something we cannot understand, but when we have His peace, there is absolutely no reason to worry.
Second, our hearts and minds will be guarded against the temptation to worry. With this added bonus, worry should be eliminated from our vocabulary.
I know how easy it is to get into worry mode. We are human. We are parents. We are children of aging parents. We are unemployed. We are travelers. We are control freaks. We are _________ (you fill in the blank). But God clearly tells us not to worry. Because He wants us to put our faith and trust in Him. Not ourselves.
I believe the words to the tune above, particularly these words. “I know He holds the future and I know He holds my hand. I know just as sure as I’m singing this song, I’m a part of His almighty plan.” He’s got it. There’s no need for me to interfere in His plan. Especially with a little thing called worry.
Grace and peace be yours in abundance,
Donna

[i] I Believe, Gaither Trio
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Forgiveness

October 8th, 2012 dsisler

During the debriefing session of my recent service trip to SE Asia, a question was asked for us to reflect upon. The question was, “Is there anyone you need to apologize to?” I skipped the question initially, because I felt that I needed to go over every conversation and action in order to answer it honestly.

It got me thinking about my day-to-day living. Do I spend that much time thinking through my words or actions to see if I need to apologize to anyone. I will admit, I don’t. But why not?

One online source says that the word “forgive” appears 116 times in Scripture and “forgiving” seven times.[i]It seems that God believes forgiveness to be pretty important. Let’s look at some of these passages.
Why Does God Forgive?
God desires a relationship with mankind, with each of us. With that relationship comes forgiveness. God’s willingness to forgive us for our imperfections is part of who He is. It is a characteristic He possesses. Here are some passages that show His forgiving nature.
“They refused to listen and failed to remember the miracles you performed among them. They became stiff-necked and in their rebellion appointed a leader in order to return to their slavery. But you are a forgiving God, gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love. Therefore you did not desert them.”(Nehemiah 9:17 – NIV)
“You are forgiving and good, O Lord, abounding in love to all who call to you.”(Psalm 86:5 – NIV)
“The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love. He will not always accuse, nor will he harbor his anger forever; he does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are from the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.”(Psalm 103:8-12 – NIV)
“The Lord our God is merciful and forgiving, even though we have rebelled against him.”(Daniel 9:9 – NIV)
God’s Forgiveness Toward Us
I believe we need to have an understanding of how God forgives us so that we in turn may forgive others. Some Scripture that shows God’s willingness to forgive are below.
“If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” (2 Chronicles 7:14 – NIV)
“In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’ grace that he lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding.” (Ephesians 1:7-8 – NIV)
“For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.”(Colossians 1:13-14 – NIV)
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive all unrighteousness.”(1 John 1:9 – NIV)
Our Forgiveness Toward Others
Because we have been lavished with forgiveness from our heavenly Father, we must in turn forgive others. It isn’t an option, it is a command. And yet, more of God’s Word and how we are to forgive.
“For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.” (Matthew 6:14-15 – NIV)
“Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times? Jesus answered, ‘I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.’” (Matthew 18:21-22 – NIV)
“Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ god forgave you.” (Ephesians 4:31-32 – NIV)
“Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another.”(Colossians 3:13 – NIV)
I believe the conclusion here is to forgive, ask for forgiveness, and know that we will be forgiven by God. Unfortunately, when we allow our human nature to rule our hearts instead of God’s Spirit, this concept gets a little muddled.
Today I must ask two questions. Is there anyone you need to apologize to? Is there anyone you need to offer forgiveness to? If someone comes to mind, spend some time with your heavenly Father and ask Him how to pursue reconciliation. He will lead and guide you through this process. You won’t have to do this alone.
Forgiveness is a tough issue, because it is a heart issue. It isn’t easy. It isn’t fun. But bitterness and guilt are even more difficult to live with, so we must forgive. Don’t waste another day living without forgiveness. It really isn’t worth it.
Grace and peace be yours in abundance,
Donna

[i] http://www.ehow.com/about_4587728_does-bible-say-forgiving-yourself.html

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Return

October 7th, 2012 dsisler

Since I’ve been writing this blog, I have written a lot about going away, being away from home, and returning home. I have traveled quite a bit this year. This is yet another post about returning home.

I am returning home to the ones who love me most in this world. I am returning home to the conveniences that I’ve held close. I am returning home with determination to never take anything for granted again. I am returning home to share a story or two about the people of SE Asia. I am returning home to be used by God.

Honestly, I don’t know how God is going to work through me after this journey. I thought it would be clear. I thought He would have given direction. But as of today, I don’t know what His plan is.
I can say that I learned quite a bit, however. I now know that I am courageous, flexible, peaceable, open and willing to learn, have a good attitude, and a welcoming smile. I now know that my gift of communication is truly a gift from God that I am willing to use. I now know that I love traveling overseas.
But there is still so much more to learn. I now know that I will be open and willing to learn how God is going to use my experiences from this journey to teach me and lead me.
My journey is not over. It has just begun.
As I am given insight, I will share. Until then, I will continue to use my writing to study God’s Word to see what God is teaching me. I will use my writing to encourage others. I will use my writing to share the Gospel with anyone who is willing to listen. And above all, I will use my writing to glorify God.
Thanks for joining me on this journey. And know this, we are not alone. God is always with us.
“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you.” (Psalm 32:8 – NIV)
Grace and peace be yours in abundance,
Donna
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October 6

October 6th, 2012 dsisler

“For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.” (Ephesians 3:14-21 – ESV)

Please pray with me and thank God for the abundant work He is doing through us. Please pray that the Church bring glory to God in all that is said and done throughout the world. Please pray for future generations that they may know the fullness of God’s power within their lives.

Praise God with me for the gifts of abundance He has provided and for the results of ministry throughout the world.
Grace and peace be yours in abundance,
Donna
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October 5

October 5th, 2012 dsisler

“The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowshipof the Holy Spirit be with you all.” (2 Corinthians 13:14 – ESV)

Please pray with me that the fellowship of believers through God’s Holy Spirit be united. Please pray for our fellowship to be restored in unity.

Praise God with me for the fellowship of believers. For those who are willing to stand together against the darkness of the world.
Grace and peace be yours in abundance,
Donna
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  • About Me

  • "I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which He has called you, the riches of His glorious inheritance in the saints, and His incomparably great power for us who believe." Ephesians 1:18-19

  • I am a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. I lived in the beautiful state of Colorado for 20 years where I found great inspiration for my novels and devotional writings. Currently living in Jacksonville, Florida.

  • I am passionate about helping women find their way to Jesus through Bible study, teaching, speaking, inspirational writing and creative Bible journaling.

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    In September 2012 I went to SE Asia on a service trip. For more information, check out preachitclearly.blogspot.com.

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